Chemical ecology is the study of chemicals involved in the interactions of living organisms. It focuses on the production of and response to signalling molecules (i.e. semiochemicals) and toxins. Some major fields in chemical ecology comprise:
communication among social insects, including ants, bees, wasps, and termites
prey-predator-like interactions, such as hosts and insect parasitoids, or herbivores and plants
defensive chemicals, which are utilized to deter potential predators or pathogens attacking a wide variety of species, especially in plant-herbivore interactions
plant-pollinator interactions relying on floral scent
chemical responses of organisms to abiotic factors such as temperature and radiation.
physiological responses of organisms to other potentially antagonistic organisms.
